Combination for use as a pallet alone or modified for use as a container

ABSTRACT

A combination that can be used as a pallet alone or modified to be used as a container. The combination includes a pallet and a container. The pallet rests on a horizontal surface and can be used as a pallet when used alone. The container has a bottom and selectively extends upwardly from the pallet. The pallet forms the bottom of the container when the pallet is modified to be used as the container. Further included are a method for constructing the pallet and a method for constructing the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a pallet, and more particularly, the embodiments of the present invention relate to a combination for use as a pallet alone or modified for use as a container.

Description of the Prior Art

Numerous innovations for pallets have been provided in the prior art, which will be described below in chronological order to show advancement in the art. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, nevertheless, they differ from the embodiments of the present invention in that they do not teach a combination for use as a pallet alone or modified for use as a container.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,279,204—issued to Propst on Jul. 21, 1981 in U.S. class 108 and subclass 53.3—teaches a pallet having a generally rectangular body including a honeycomb core enclosed within top, bottom, and side walls. Each of the side walls has at its upper end an upwardly and inwardly inclined portion, and has at its lower end a downwardly and inwardly inclined portion. Hollow tapered legs are provided at the corners of the pallet.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,731—issued to McIntyre on Feb. 15, 1994 in U.S. class 108 and subclass 51.3—teaches a corrugated paperboard pallet including a base member having first and second pairs of opposite sides and a plurality of column-shaped support members secured to the bottom side of the base member. The support members have apertures at opposing ends thereof for receiving flaps from the base member and support blocks so as to secure the support members to the base member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,861—issued to McCarthy on Jul. 19, 1994 in U.S. class 108 and subclass 51.3—teaches a lightweight, recyclable, and nearly completely paper pallet. The pallet is made of a honeycomb paper base and honeycomb paper support runners or blocks. The blocks are protected and strengthened by a rigid paper cap. The base, runners, blocks, and cap may also have a protective liner, such as, polyethylene, or be otherwise treated to enhance water and moisture resistance.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,024—issued to Frketic on Apr. 4, 1995 in U.S. class 280 and subclass 43.12—teaches a hand pallet truck of the type including a head frame and a pair of forks projecting forwardly therefrom. A hinge portion of the forks can be folded upwardly from the operating position to a storage position latched to the frame. The hinged forks include a stub fork portion at the frame projecting slightly outwardly from the frame for receiving a portion of the pallet. The link bar that operates the wheels of the fork is also hinged but can only pivot in the lowered position of the forks and frame. A locking arrangement locks the hinged forks in the operating position.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,956—issued to Ong et al. on Sep. 12, 1995 in U.S. class 108 and subclass 51.3—teaches a pallet including a flat top member having depending sides and a base member including eight generally triangular elements, each formed from closely packed elements of single-face corrugated paperboard in which the corrugations are perpendicular to the top member, and forklift openings formed in the edges of the base elements. In another form, the pallet is formed from a single winding of single-face corrugated paperboard to define a central square opening, a pair of opposed generally triangular openings, a pair of opposed truncated triangular openings 90° to the triangular openings, a further pair of larger truncated triangular openings located at 45° to the preceding pair, a further pair of slightly larger truncated triangular openings at 90° to the preceding pair, two further opposed pairs of larger triangular openings at 45° to each of the preceding openings, and triangular openings at the corners of the pallet defined by a square peripheral element of the wound corrugated board. The foregoing openings define load-bearing beam members that intersect the direction of support of the pallet by the forks of the fork lift truck, which are inserted between feet adhesively secured to the pallet body. Being made from corrugated board, the pallet may be recycled.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,988—issued to Cummings et al. on Oct. 31, 1995 in U.S. class 108 and subclass 51.3—teaches a recyclable and lightweight pallet having a plurality of elongated runners and mating crosspieces. Each runner includes a plurality of elongated, parallel, and juxtaposed runner sections of fiber board, with laterally extending assembled openings defined therein and longitudinally spaced-apart therealong. Each elongated, parallel, and juxtaposed crosspiece section of fiber board jointly define opposed assembled ends. Each assembled end of each crosspiece is formed to mate with an assembled opening in one of the plurality of runners. The runners and mating crosspieces form a generally rectangular pallet.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,962—issued to McCarthy on Feb. 27, 1996 in U.S. class 108 and subclass 51.3—teaches a lightweight, recyclable, and nearly completely paper pallet. The pallet is made of a honeycomb paper base and honeycomb paper support runners or blocks. The blocks are strengthened by a rigid paper cap. The base, runners, blocks, and cap may also have a protective liner, such as, polyethylene, or be otherwise treated to enhance water and moisture resistance.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,037—issued to Hill on Nov. 25, 1997 in U.S. class 108 and subclass 51.3—teaches a pallet having a substantially inelastic, flexible, and load-supporting platform, and a plurality of support blocks for maintaining the platform above a ground support. To transport the pallet and its load from place to place, a lifting assembly has a pair of forks for fitting in channels between the support blocks. The forks are laterally extendable with respect to each other so that a side of each fork can engage a facing side of a support block to maintain the support block and a load thereon in a substantially upright position.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,177—issued to Anderson on Aug. 24, 1999 in U.S. class 108 and subclass 51.3—teaches a recyclable, heavy duty, lightweight, moisture resistant, and corrugated fiberboard pallet. All major components are made of double walled and corrugated fiberboard that has been laminated for moisture control, and are connected with an adhesive. A top pallet assembly is composed of two rectangular support sheets and a load sheet. Attached to the bottom of the pallet top assembly are a series of runners. Each runner includes a single sheet of fiberboard that is scored and folded so as to form a four-sheet thickness, including eight walls of fiberboard with corrugations vertically placed. Attached to each runner is a runner brace. Each runner brace is scored and wraps around a runner, with excess fiberboard being used to connect the runner to the pallet top assembly. A pallet bottom is secured to the lower surfaces of the runner braces.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,740—issued to Jackel et al. on Nov. 21, 2000 in U.S. class 108 and subclass 57.32—teaches a lightweight pallet, especially for holding payloads in a spacecraft, has a sandwich construction with a core grid of longitudinal carrier beams and cross-connectors mounted between a top flat sheet metal plate and a bottom flat sheet. A cross-beam is secured to the front end and to the rear end of the pallet. The cross-beams carry journal pins for mounting the pallets to respective yokes in the cargo bay of a spacecraft. The cover plates are provided with cut-outs forming square or rectangular holes with rounded corners. Hole patterns or threaded holes are provided for the connection of junction plates and payloads to the pallet. The junction plates are secured where the longitudinal beams and the cross-connectors meet. At least one of the two laterally outer longitudinal beams has a recess for the recessed mounting of a payload supply unit, such as, a power supply. The recess is then closed again by a plate. The longitudinal beams and the cross-connectors are essentially hollow, except for cross-ribs connecting the chords of the longitudinal beams and cross-trusses in a box frame of the cross-connectors.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,322,517—issued to Hurst et al. on Dec. 4, 2012 in U.S. class 198 and subclass 465.4—teaches a lightweight pallet for supporting and carrying workpieces along an overhead transfer conveyor. A metallic conveyor carrier is carried by the overhead transfer conveyor, and a lightweight and non-metallic base is connected to the conveyor carrier. A first lightweight and non-metallic support member is connected to, and extends downward from, the base. The first support member is substantially planar and supports the workpiece. A first lightweight and non-metallic brace member is connected to the base and the first support member for supporting the first support member. The first brace member is substantially planar. The first brace member extends substantially perpendicular to the first support member. The first support member and the second support member cooperate to define a substantially T-shaped structure that extends downward from the base.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,752,489—issued to Linares on Jun. 17, 2014 in U.S. class 108 and subclass 51.3—teaches a pallet construction having a body including a plurality of interconnected structural members defining at least an upper support surface, a bottom, and a plurality of interconnecting sides. A plurality of stand-offs extend from underside-projecting locations of the body in order to elevate the bottom an upward distance from a ground supporting location. A mesh, or other sheer material, is also provided. The mesh is applied over at least the upper support surface, and in additional variants along each of the extending side surfaces so that the body establishes a three dimensional and volume defining interior. In order to support the mesh, the body includes upper and lower vertically spaced and rectangular perimeter defining members separated by spaced-apart and vertically interconnecting members.

It is apparent that numerous innovations for pallets have been provided in the prior art, which are adapted to be used. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, nevertheless, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the embodiments of the present invention as heretofore described, namely, a combination for use as a pallet alone or modified for use as a container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, it is an object of the embodiments of the present invention to provide a combination for use as a pallet alone or modified for use as a container, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

Briefly stated, another object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a combination that can be used as a pallet alone or modified to be used as a container. The combination includes a pallet and a container. The pallet rests on a horizontal surface and can be used as a pallet when used alone. The container has a bottom and selectively extends upwardly from the pallet. The pallet forms the bottom of the container when the pallet is modified to be used as the container. Further included are a method for constructing the pallet and a method for constructing the container.

The novel features considered characteristic of the embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The embodiments of the present invention themselves, however, both as to their construction and to their method of construction together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying figures of the drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING

The figures of the drawing are briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the combination of the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the pallet of the combination of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW 2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the bottom layer of the pallet of the combination of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW 3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the intermediate layer of the pallet overlying the bottom layer of the pallet of the combination of the embodiments of the present invention identified by ARROW 4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view of the intermediate layer of the pallet overlying the bottom layer of the pallet of the combination of the embodiments of the present invention taken generally in the direction of ARROW 5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the legs of the pallet depending from the bottom layer of the pallet of the combination of the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7A-7E are a flowchart of the method of constructing the pallet of the combination of the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pallet of the combination of the embodiments of the present invention having bores at corners of the top layer thereof;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the pallet of the combination of the embodiments of the present invention having pegs in the bores at the corners of the top layer thereof, respectively;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pallet of the combination of the embodiments of the present invention having posts on the pegs thereof, respectively;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged diagrammatic top plan view taken generally in the direction of ARROW 11 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the container of the combination of the embodiments of the present invention having side panels thereof connecting the posts thereof, respectively, and a horizontal hook and loop fastener (VELCRO®) strap thereof positioned around the side panels thereof; and

FIG. 13A-13C are a flowchart of the method of constructing the container of the combination of the embodiments of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING Introductory

-   20 combination of embodiments of present invention for use as pallet     alone or modified for use as container

Overall Configuration of Combination 20

-   22 pallet for resting on horizontal surface 26 and for use as pallet     when used alone -   24 container -   26 horizontal surface -   28 bottom of container

Overall Configuration of Pallet 22

-   30 bottom layer of pallet 22 -   32 intermediate layer of pallet 22 -   34 top layer of pallet 22 -   35 plurality of legs of pallet 22 for providing multiple spaces     therebetween for lifting pallet 22 by forklift or like

Specific Configuration of Bottom Layer 30 of Pallet 22

-   36 plurality of stringers of bottom layer 30 of pallet 22

Specific Configuration of Intermediate Layer 32 of Pallet 22

-   38 plurality of stringers of intermediate layer 32 of pallet 22 -   40 plurality of nails of intermediate layer 32 of pallet 22

Specific Configuration of Top Layer 34 of Pallet 22

-   44 plurality of deckboards of top layer 34 of pallet 22 -   44 plurality of nails of top layer 34 of pallet 22

Specific Configuration of Plurality of Legs 35 of Pallet 22

-   46 plurality of sides of plurality of legs 35 of pallet 22

Method of Constructing Pallet 22

-   48 plurality of positioned bottom layer stringers of bottom layer 30     of pallet 22 -   50 plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers of bottom layer 30     of pallet 22 -   52 plurality of positioned intermediate layer stringers of     intermediate layer 32 of pallet 22 -   54 plurality of oriented intermediate layer stringers of     intermediate layer 32 of pallet 22 -   56 plurality of affixed intermediate layer stringers of intermediate     layer 32 of pallet 22 -   58 plurality of positioned top layer deckboards of top layer 34 of     pallet 22 -   60 plurality of oriented top layer deckboards of top layer 34 of     pallet 22 -   62 plurality of affixed top layer deckboards of top layer 34 of     pallet 22 -   64 plurality of positioned legs of plurality of legs 35 of pallet 22 -   66 plurality of affixed legs of plurality of legs 35 of pallet 22

Overall Configuration of Container 24

-   68 bores of pallet 22 -   70 pegs of container 24 -   72 posts of container 24 -   74 side panels of container 24

Specific Configuration of Blind Bores 68 of Pallet 22

-   76 corners of pallet 22

Specific Configuration of Pegs 70 of Container 24

-   78 terminal portions of pegs 70 of container 24, respectively -   80 exterior surfaces of pegs 70 of container 24, respectively

Specific Configuration of Posts 72 of Container 24

-   82 proximal end of each post of posts 72 of container 24 -   83 free distal end of each post of posts 72 of container 24 -   84 pair of adjacent interior sides of each post of posts 72 of     container 24 -   86 blind bore of proximal end 82 of each post of posts 72 of     container 24 -   88 blind slots of pair of adjacent interior sides 84 of each post of     posts 72 of container 24, respectively

Specific Configuration of Side Panels 74 of Container 24

-   90 piece of sheet material of each side panel of side panels 74 of     container 24 -   92 pair of opposing side ends of piece of sheet material 90 of each     side panel of side panels 74 of container 24 -   94 lower edge of piece of sheet material 90 of each side panel of     side panels 74 of container 24 -   96 hook and loop fastener (VELCRO®) strap of side panels 74 of     container 24

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Introductory

Referring now to the figures of the drawing, in which like numerals indicate like parts, and particularly to FIG. 1, the combination of the embodiments of the present invention is shown generally at 20 for use as a pallet alone or modified for use as a container.

Overall Configuration of the Combination 20

The overall configuration of the combination 20 can best be seen in FIG. 1, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The combination 20 comprises a pallet 22 and a container 24. The pallet 22 is for resting on a horizontal surface 26 and is for use as a pallet when used alone. The container 24 has a bottom 28 and selectively extends upwardly from the pallet 22, with the pallet 22 forming the bottom 28 of the container 24 when the pallet 22 is modified for use as the container 24.

Overall Configuration of the Pallet 22

The overall configuration of the pallet 22 can best be seen in FIG. 2, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The pallet 22 comprises a bottom layer 30, an intermediate layer 32, a top layer 34, and a plurality of legs 35. The intermediate layer 32 overlies, and is attached to, the bottom layer 30. The top layer 34 overlies, and is attached to, the intermediate layer 32. The plurality of legs 35 of the pallet 22 depend from the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22 and are for resting on the horizontal surface 26.

Specific Configuration of the Bottom Layer 30 of the Pallet 22

The specific configuration of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22 can best be seen in FIG. 3, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22 comprises a plurality of stringers 36.

The plurality of stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22 are slender, elongated, of equal length to each other, parallel to each other, coplanar with each other, equally spaced-apart from each other, aligned with each other, extend in a first direction, preferably, are made from wood, and have widths and heights.

Specific Configuration of the Intermediate Layer 32 of the Pallet 22

The specific configuration of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 can best be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 comprises a plurality of stringers 38.

The plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 are slender, elongated, of equal length to each other, parallel to each other, coplanar with each other, equally spaced-apart from each other, aligned with each other, extend in a second direction, preferably, are made from wood, and have widths and heights.

The widths and the heights of the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 are equal to the widths and the heights of the plurality of stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22, respectively, so as to allow the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 and the plurality of stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22 to be interchangeable with each other.

The second direction of the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 is perpendicular to the first direction of the plurality of stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22, and as such, ties the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 and the plurality of stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22 to each other, respectively.

The intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 further comprises a plurality of nails 40.

The plurality of nails 40 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 maintain the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 and the plurality of stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22 perpendicular to each other by being positioned where the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 intersect the plurality of stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22, respectively.

Specific Configuration of the Top Layer 34 of the Pallet 22

The specific configuration of the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 can best be seen in FIG. 2, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The top layer 34 of the pallet 22 comprises a plurality of deckboards 42.

The plurality of deckboards 42 of the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 are slender, elongated, of equal length to each other, parallel to each other, coplanar with each other, aligned with each other, extend in a third direction, preferably, are made from wood, and have widths and heights.

The widths of the plurality of deckboards 42 of the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 are wider than the widths of the plurality of stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22, respectively, and are wider than the widths of the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22, respectively.

The heights of the plurality of deckboards 42 of the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 are less than the heights of the plurality of stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22, respectively, and are less than the heights of the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22, respectively.

The third direction of the plurality of deckboards 42 of the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 is perpendicular to the second direction of the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22, and as such, ties the plurality of deckboards 42 of the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 and the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 to each other, respectively.

The third direction of the plurality of deckboards 42 of the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 is equal to the first direction of the plurality of stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22.

The top layer 34 of the pallet 22 further comprises a plurality of nails 44.

The plurality of nails 44 of the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 maintain the plurality of deckboards 42 of the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 and the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 perpendicular to each other by being positioned where the plurality of deckboards 42 of the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 intersect the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22.

Specific Configuration of the Plurality of Legs 35 of the Pallet 22

The specific configuration of the plurality of legs 35 of the pallet 22 can best be seen in FIG. 6, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The plurality of legs 35 of the pallet 22 are spaced-apart from each other, are cubic-shaped, and as such, have a plurality of sides 46 that are equal to each other, respectively.

The plurality of legs 35 of the pallet 22 depend from the plurality of stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22 where the plurality of stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22 intersect the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 for allowing the plurality of legs 35 of the pallet 22 to provide multiple spaces therebetween for lifting the pallet 22 by a forklift or the like.

The plurality of sides 46 of the plurality of legs 35 of the pallet 22 are equal to the widths of the plurality of stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22, respectively, and are equal to the widths of the plurality of stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22, respectively.

Method of Constructing the Pallet 22

The method of constructing the pallet 22 can best be seen in FIGS. 2-6 and 7A-7E, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The method of constructing the pallet 22 comprises the steps of:

-   STEP 1: As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7A, position the plurality of     stringers 36 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22 onto the     horizontal surface 26 so as to form a plurality of positioned bottom     layer stringers 48; -   STEP 2: As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7A, orient the plurality of     positioned bottom layer stringers 48 of the bottom layer 30 of the     pallet 22 parallel to each other, equally spaced-apart from each     other, coplanar with each other, and aligned with each other so as     to form a plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers 50; -   STEP 3: As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7B, position the plurality of     stringers 38 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 onto the     plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers 50 of the bottom layer     30 of the pallet 22 so as to form a plurality of positioned     intermediate layer stringers 52; -   STEP 4: As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7B, orient the plurality of     positioned intermediate layer stringers 52 of the intermediate layer     32 of the pallet 22 parallel to each other, equally spaced-apart     from each other, coplanar with each other, aligned with each other,     and perpendicular to the plurality of oriented bottom layer     stringers 50 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22 so as to form a     plurality of oriented intermediate layer stringers 54; -   STEP 5: As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7C, nail the plurality of     oriented intermediate layer stringers 54 of the intermediate layer     32 of the pallet 22 to the plurality of oriented bottom layer     stringers 50 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22 where the     plurality of oriented intermediate layer stringers 54 of the     intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 intersect the plurality of     oriented bottom layer stringers 50 of the bottom layer 30 of the     pallet 22 so as to form a plurality of affixed intermediate layer     stringers 56; -   STEP 6: As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7C, position the plurality of     deckboards 42 of the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 onto the     plurality of affixed intermediate layer stringers 56 of the     intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 so as to form a plurality of     positioned top layer deckboards 58; -   STEP 7: As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7D, orient the plurality of     positioned top layer deckboards 58 of the top layer 34 of the pallet     22 parallel to each other, coplanar with each other, aligned with     each other, and perpendicular to the plurality of affixed     intermediate layer stringers 56 of the intermediate layer 32 of the     pallet 22 so as to form a plurality of oriented top layer deckboards     60; -   STEP 8: As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7D, nail the plurality of oriented     top layer deckboards 60 of the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 to the     plurality of affixed intermediate layer stringers 56 of the     intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 where the plurality of     oriented top layer deckboards 60 of the top layer 34 of the pallet     22 intersect the plurality of affixed intermediate layer stringers     56 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 so as to form a     plurality of affixed top layer deckboards 62; -   STEP 9: As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7E, position the plurality of legs     35 of the pallet 22 under the plurality of oriented bottom layer     stringers 50 of the bottom layer 30 of the pallet 22 where the     plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers 50 of the bottom layer     30 of the pallet 22 intersect the plurality of affixed intermediate     layer stringers 56 of the intermediate layer 32 of the pallet 22 so     as to form a plurality of positioned legs 64; and -   STEP 10: As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7E, nail the plurality of     positioned legs 64 of the plurality of legs 35 of the pallet 22 to     the plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers 50 of the bottom     layer 30 of the pallet 22 so as to form a plurality of affixed legs     66 and thereby construct the pallet 22.

Overall Configuration of the Container 24

The overall configuration of the container 24 can best be seen in FIG. 1, and as such, will be discussed with referenced thereto.

The container 24 comprises the pallet 22 having bores 68. The container 24 further comprises pegs 70, posts 72, and side panels 74. The pegs 70 of the container 24 are disposed in the bores 68 of the pallet 22, respectively. The posts 72 of the container 24 extend upwardly from the pegs 70 of the container 24, respectively. The side panels 74 of the container 24 extend between adjacent posts 72 of the container 24.

Specific Configuration of the Bores 68 of the Pallet 22

The specific configuration of the bores 68 of the pallet 22 can best be seen in FIG. 8, and as such, will be discussed with referenced thereto.

The pallet 22 has corners 76. The bores 68 of the pallet 22 are disposed at the corners 76 of the pallet 22, respectively, are slender, vertically oriented, and open into the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 and extend vertically downwardly therefrom into at least one of the second layer 32 of the pallet 22 and the first layer 30 of the pallet 22.

Specific Configuration of the Pegs 70 of the Container 24

The specific configuration of the pegs 70 of the container 24 can best be seen in FIG. 9, and as such, will be discussed with referenced thereto.

The pegs 70 of the container 24 are disposed snugly in the bores 68 of the pallet 22 and extend vertically upwardly therefrom to past the top layer 34 of the pallet 22 to terminal portions 78.

The pegs 70 of the container 24 are slender, stubby, of equal length to each other, parallel to each other, vertically aligned with each other, and are, preferably, made from fiberglass.

The pegs 70 of the container 24 are substantially cylindrically shaped and have exterior surfaces 80. The exterior surfaces 80 of the pegs 70 of the container 24 are textured to increase gripping power to the pallet 22 when inserted into the bores 68 of the pallet 22 so as to eliminate a need for fasteners so as to allow the container 24 to readily revert back to the pallet 22 if so desired by a user.

Specific Configuration of the Posts 72 of the Container 24

The specific configuration of the posts 72 of the container 24 can best be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, and as such, will be discussed with referenced thereto.

Each post 72 of the container 24 has a proximal end 82, a free distal end 83, and a pair of adjacent interior sides 84. The proximal end 82 of each post 72 of the container 24 has a blind bore 86 extending axially therein.

The blind bore 86 of the proximal end 82 of each post 72 of the container 24 snugly receives the terminal portion 78 of an associated peg 70 of the container 24, and in doing so, the posts 72 of the container 24 extend vertically upwardly from the corners 76 of the pullet 22, respectively.

Each post 72 of the container 24 is substantially square-shaped in plan view, is slender, elongated, of equal length to each other, parallel to each other, vertically aligned with each other, and is, preferably, made from wood.

The pair of adjacent interior sides 84 of each post 72 of the container 24 have blind slots 88 therein, respectively. The blind slots 88 of the pair of adjacent interior sides 84 of each post 72 of the container 24 extend axially therealong from the proximal end 82 of an associated post 72 of the container 24 to the distal end 83 of the associated post 72 of the container 24, are perpendicular to each other, and, preferably, are disposed at midpoints of the pair of adjacent interior sides 84 of the posts 72 of the container 24.

Specific Configuration of the Side Panels 74 of the Container 24

The specific configuration of the side panels 74 of the container 24 can best be seen in FIG. 12, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

Each side panel 74 of the container 24 is a piece of sheet material 90. The piece of sheet material 90 of each side panel 74 of the container 24 is substantially rectangular-shaped, thin, flat, and has a pair of opposing ends 92 and a lower edge 94.

The piece of sheet material 90 of each side panel 74 of the container 24 connects adjacent posts 72 of the container 24 to each other. One blind slot 88 of one adjacent interior side 84 of one post 72 of the container 24 slidingly receives one opposing end 92 of the piece of sheet material 90 of an associated side panel 74 of the container 24. A facing blind slot 88 of one adjacent interior side 84 of an adjacent post 72 of the container 24 slidingly receives the other opposing end 92 of the piece of sheet material 90 of the associated side panel 74 of the container 24 until the lower edge 94 of the piece of sheet material 90 of the associated side panel 74 of the container 24 contacts the pallet 22.

The side panels 74 of the container 24 have a hook and loop fastener (VELCRO®) strap 96. The hook and loop fastener (VELCRO®) strap 96 of the side panels 74 of the container 24 extends horizontally and snugly around the container 24, and in so doing, maintains the side panels 74 of the container in the posts 72 of the container 24, to thereby maintain the container 24 constructed.

Method of Constructing the Container 24

The method of constructing the container 24 can best be seen in FIGS. 8-12 and 13A-13C, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

The method of constructing the container 24 comprises the steps of:

-   STEP 1: As shown in FIGS. 8 and 13A, provide the bores 68 of the     pallet 22 in the corners 76 of the pallet 22; -   STEP 2: As shown in FIGS. 9 and 13A, insert the pegs 70 of the     container 24 into the bores 68 of the pallet 22, with the terminal     portions 78 of the pegs 70 of the container 24 extending upwardly     therefrom; -   STEP 3: As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 13B, position the posts 72 of     the container 24 on the pegs 70 of the container 24, with the blind     bore 86 of the proximal end 82 of each post 72 of the container 24     receiving the terminal portion 78 of an associated peg 70 of the     container 24, to thereby frictionally affix the posts 72 of the     container 24 vertically upwardly from the pallet 22; -   STEP 4: As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13B, slide the opposing ends 92 of     each side panel 74 of the container 24 vertically downwardly into     aligned blind slots 88 of a pair of adjacent post 72 of the     container 24 until the lower edge 94 of an associated side panel 74     of the container 24 contacts the pallet 22; and -   STEP 5: As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13C, wrap the container 24     therearound with the hook and loop fastener (VELCRO®) strap 96 of     the container 24 to maintain the side panels 74 of the container 24     in the posts 72 of the container 24, to thereby construct the     container 24.

Impressions

It will be understood that each of the elements described above or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described as embodied in a combination for use as a pallet alone or modified for use as a container, nevertheless, they are not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions, and changes in the forms and details of the embodiments of the present invention illustrated and their method of construction can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the embodiments of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the embodiments of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt them for various applications without omitting features from the standpoint of prior art fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of the embodiments of the present invention. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A combination for use as a pallet alone or modified for use as a container, said combination comprising: a) a pallet; and b) a container; wherein said pallet is for resting on a horizontal surface; wherein said pallet is for use as a pallet when used alone; wherein said container has a bottom; wherein said container selectively extends upwardly from said pallet; and wherein said pallet forms said bottom of said container when said pallet is modified for use as said container.
 2. The combination of claim 1, wherein said pallet comprises: a) a bottom layer; b) an intermediate layer; c) a top layer; and d) a plurality of legs; wherein said intermediate layer of said pallet overlies said bottom layer of said pallet; wherein said intermediate layer of said pallet is attached to said bottom layer of said pallet; wherein said top layer of said pallet overlies said intermediate layer of said pallet; wherein said top layer of said pallet is attached to said intermediate layer of said pallet; wherein said plurality of legs of said pallet depend from said bottom layer of said pallet; and wherein said plurality of legs of said pallet are for resting on the horizontal surface.
 3. The combination of claim 2, wherein said bottom layer of said pallet comprises a plurality of stringers.
 4. The combination of claim 3, wherein said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet are slender; wherein said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet are elongated; wherein said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet are of equal length to each other; wherein said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet are parallel to each other; wherein said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet are coplanar with each other; wherein said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet are equally spaced-apart from each other; wherein said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet are aligned with each other; wherein said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet extend in a first direction; wherein said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet have widths; and wherein said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet have heights.
 5. The combination of claim 3, wherein said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet are made from wood.
 6. The combination of claim 4, wherein said intermediate layer of said pallet comprises a plurality of stringers.
 7. The combination of claim 6, wherein said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet are slender; wherein said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet are elongated; wherein said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet are of equal length to each other; wherein said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet are parallel to each other; wherein said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet are coplanar with each other; wherein said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet are equally spaced-apart from each other; wherein said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet are aligned with each other; wherein said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet extend in a second direction; wherein said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet have widths; and wherein said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet have heights.
 8. The combination of claim 6, wherein said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet are made from wood.
 9. The combination of claim 7, wherein said widths and said heights of said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet are equal to said widths and said heights of said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet, respectively, so as to allow said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet and said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet to be interchangeable with each other.
 10. The combination of claim 7, wherein said second direction of said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet is perpendicular to said first direction of said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet, and as such, ties said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet and said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet to each other.
 11. The combination of claim 7, wherein said intermediate layer of said pallet comprises a plurality of nails.
 12. The combination of claim 11, wherein said plurality of nails of said intermediate layer of said pallet maintain said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet and said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet perpendicular to each other by being positioned where said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet intersect said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet.
 13. The combination of claim 6, wherein said top layer of said pallet comprises a plurality of deckboards.
 14. The combination of claim 12, wherein said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet are slender; wherein said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet are elongated; wherein said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet are of equal length to each other; wherein said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet are parallel to each other; wherein said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet are coplanar with each other; wherein said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet are aligned with each other; wherein said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet extend in a third direction; wherein said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet have widths; and wherein said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet have heights.
 15. The combination of claim 13, wherein said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet are made from wood.
 16. The combination of claim 14, wherein said widths of said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet are wider than said widths of said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet, respectively; and wherein said widths of said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet are wider than said widths of said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet, respectively.
 17. The combination of claim 14, wherein said heights of said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet are less than said heights of said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet, respectively; and wherein said heights of said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet are less than said heights of said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet, respectively.
 18. The combination of claim 14, wherein said third direction of said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet is perpendicular to said second direction of said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet, and as such, ties said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet and said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet to each other, respectively; and wherein said third direction of said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet is equal to said first direction of said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet.
 19. The combination of claim 13, wherein said top layer of said pallet comprises a plurality of nails; and wherein said plurality of nails of said top layer of said pallet maintain said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet and said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet perpendicular to each other by being positioned where said plurality of deckboards of said top layer of said pallet intersect said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet.
 20. The combination of claim 7, wherein said plurality of legs of said pallet are spaced-apart from each other; and wherein said plurality of legs of said pallet are cubic-shaped, and as such, have a plurality of sides that are equal to each other.
 21. The combination of claim 6, wherein said plurality of legs of said pallet depend from said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet where said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet intersect said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet for allowing said plurality of legs of said pallet to provide multiple spaces therebetween for lifting said pallet.
 22. The combination of claim 20, wherein said plurality of sides of said plurality of legs of said pallet are equal to said widths of said plurality of stringers of said intermediate layer of said pallet, respectively; and wherein said plurality of sides of said plurality of legs of said pallet are equal to said widths of said plurality of stringers of said bottom layer of said pallet, respectively.
 23. The combination of claim 2, wherein said container comprises: a) said pallet having bores; b) pegs; c) posts; and d) side panels; wherein said pegs of said container are disposed in said bores of said pallet, respectively; wherein said posts of said container extend upwardly from said pegs of said container, respectively; and wherein said side panels of said container extend between adjacent posts of said container.
 24. The combination of claim 23, wherein said pallet has corners; wherein said bores of said pallet are disposed at said corners of said pallet, respectively; wherein said bores of said pallet are slender; wherein said bores of said pallet are vertically oriented; and wherein said bores of said pallet open into said top layer of said pallet and extend vertically downwardly therefrom into at least one of said second layer of said pallet and said first layer of said pallet.
 25. The combination of claim 23, wherein said pegs of said container are disposed snugly in said bores of said pallet, and extend vertically upwardly therefrom to past said top layer of said pallet to terminal portions.
 26. The combination of claim 23, wherein said pegs of said container are slender; wherein said pegs of said container are stubby; wherein said pegs of said container are of equal length to each other; wherein said pegs of said container are parallel to each other; wherein said pegs of said container are vertically aligned with each other; and wherein said pegs of said container are substantially cylindrically shaped.
 27. The combination of claim 23, wherein said pegs of said container are made from fiberglass.
 28. The combination of claim 23, wherein said pegs of said container have exterior surfaces; and wherein said exterior surfaces of said pegs of said container are textured to increase gripping power to said pallet when inserted into said bores of said pallet so as to eliminate a need for fasteners so as to allow said container to readily revert back to said pallet if so desired by a user.
 29. The combination of claim 25, wherein each post of the container has a proximal end; wherein each post of the container has a free distal end; wherein each post of the container has a pair of adjacent interior sides; and wherein said proximal end of each post of said container has a blind bore extending axially therein.
 30. The combination of claim 29, wherein said blind bore of said proximal end of each post of said container snugly receives said terminal portion of an associated peg of said container, and in so doing, said posts of said container extend vertically upwardly from said corners of said pallet, respectively.
 31. The combination of claim 23, wherein each post of said container is substantially square-shaped in plan view; wherein each post of said container is slender; wherein each post of said container is elongated; wherein each post of said container is of equal length to each other; wherein each post of said container is parallel to each other; and wherein each post of said container is vertically aligned with each other.
 32. The combination of claim 23, wherein each post of said container is made from wood.
 33. The combination of claim 29, wherein said pair of adjacent interior sides of each post of said container have blind slots therein, respectively; wherein said blind slots of said pair of adjacent interior sides of each post of said container extend axially therealong from said proximal end of an associated post of said container to said distal end of said associated post of said container; wherein said blind slots of said pair of adjacent interior sides of each post of said container are perpendicular to each other; and wherein said blind slots of said pair of adjacent interior sides of each post of said container are disposed at midpoints of said pair of adjacent interior sides of said posts of said container.
 34. The combination of claim 33, wherein each side panel of said container is a piece of sheet material; wherein said piece of sheet material of each side panel of said container is substantially rectangular-shaped; wherein said piece of sheet material of each side panel of said container is thin; wherein said piece of sheet material of each side panel of said container is flat; and wherein said piece of sheet material of each side panel of said container has: a) a pair of opposing side ends; and b) a lower edge.
 35. The combination of claim 34, wherein said piece of sheet material of each side panel of said container connects adjacent posts of said container to each other; wherein one blind slot of one post of said container slidingly receives one opposing side end of said piece of sheet material of an associated side panel of said container; wherein a facing blind slot of an adjacent post of said container slidingly receives the other opposing side end of said piece of sheet material of said associated side panel of said container; and wherein said lower edge of said piece of sheet material of said associated side panel of said container contacts said pallet.
 36. The combination of claim 23, wherein said side panels of said container have a hook and loop fastener (VELCRO®) strap; and wherein said hook and loop fastener (VELCRO®) strap of said side panels of said container extends horizontally and snugly around said container, and in so doing, maintains said side panels of said container in said posts of said container, to thereby maintain said container constructed.
 37. A method of constructing a pallet, wherein the pallet has a plurality of legs, a bottom layer with a plurality of stringers, an intermediate layer with a plurality of stringers, and a top layer with a plurality of deckboards, said method comprises the steps of: a) positioning the plurality of stringers of the bottom layer of the pallet onto a horizontal surface so as to form a plurality of positioned bottom layer stringers; b) orienting the plurality of positioned bottom layer stringers of the bottom layer of the pallet parallel to each other, equally spaced-apart from each other, coplanar with each other, and aligned with each other, so as to form a plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers; c) positioning the plurality of stringers of the intermediate layer of the pallet onto the plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers of the bottom layer of the pallet so as to form a plurality of positioned intermediate layer stringers; d) orienting the plurality of positioned intermediate layer stringers of the intermediate layer of the pallet parallel to each other, equally spaced-apart from each other, coplanar with each other, aligned with each other, and perpendicular to the plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers of the bottom layer of the pallet, so as to form a plurality of oriented intermediate layer stringers; e) nailing the plurality of oriented intermediate layer stringers of the intermediate layer of the pallet to the plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers of the bottom layer of the pallet so as to form a plurality of affixed intermediate layer stringers; f) positioning the plurality of deckboards of the top layer of the pallet onto the plurality of affixed intermediate layer stringers of the intermediate layer of the pallet so as to form a plurality of positioned top layer deckboards; g) orienting the plurality of positioned top layer deckboards of the top layer of the pallet parallel to each other, coplanar with each other, aligned with each other, and perpendicular to the plurality of affixed intermediate layer stringers of the intermediate layer of the pallet, so as to form a plurality of oriented top layer deckboards; h) nailing the plurality of oriented top layer deckboards of the top layer of the pallet to the plurality of affixed intermediate layer stringers of the intermediate layer of the pallet so as to form a plurality of affixed top layer deckboards; i) positioning the plurality of legs of the pallet under the plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers of the bottom layer of the pallet so as to form a plurality of positioned legs; and j) nailing the plurality of positioned legs of the plurality of legs of the pallet to the plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers of the bottom layer of the pallet so as to form a plurality of affixed legs, to thereby construct the pallet.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein said step of nailing the plurality of oriented intermediate layer stringers of the intermediate layer of the pallet to the plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers of the bottom layer of the pallet includes nailing the plurality of oriented intermediate layer stringers of the intermediate layer of the pallet to the plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers of the bottom layer of the pallet where the plurality of oriented intermediate layer stringers of the intermediate layer of the pallet intersect the plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers of the bottom layer of the pallet.
 39. The method of claim 37, wherein said step of nailing the plurality of oriented top layer deckboards of the top layer of the pallet to the plurality of affixed intermediate layer stringers of the intermediate layer of the pallet includes nailing the plurality of oriented top layer deckboards of the top layer of the pallet to the plurality of affixed intermediate layer stringers of the intermediate layer of the pallet where the plurality of oriented top layer deckboards of the top layer of the pallet intersect the plurality of affixed intermediate layer stringers of the intermediate layer of the pallet.
 40. The method of claim 37, wherein said step of positioning the plurality of legs of the pallet under the plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers of the bottom layer of the pallet includes positioning the plurality of legs of the pallet under the plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers of the bottom layer of the pallet where the plurality of oriented bottom layer stringers of the bottom layer of the pallet intersect the plurality of affixed intermediate layer stringers of the intermediate layer of the pallet.
 41. A method of constructing a container, wherein the container has a pallet having corners with bores, wherein the container further has side panels with opposing side ends and lower edges, wherein the container further has pegs with terminal portions, wherein the container further has posts with blind slots and proximal ends with blind bores, wherein the container further has a hook and loop fastener (VELCRO®) strap, and wherein said method comprises the steps of: a) providing the bores of the pallet in the corners of the pallet; b) inserting the pegs of the container into the bores of the pallet, with the terminal portions of the pegs of the container extending upwardly therefrom; c) positioning the posts of the container on the pegs of the container, with the blind bore of the proximal end of each post of the container receiving the terminal portion of an associated peg of the container, to thereby frictionally affix the posts of the container vertically upwardly from the pallet; d) sliding the opposing side ends of each side panel of the container vertically downwardly into aligned blind slots of a pair of adjacent post of the container until the lower edge of an associated side panel of the container contacts the pallet; and e) wrapping the container therearound with the hook and loop fastener (VELCRO®) strap of the container to maintain the side panels of the container in the posts of the container, to thereby construct the container. 